The Armed Citizen® February 6, 2012

It was 4 a.m. when Donna Hopper awoke to a stranger attempting to enter her home. When she refused to open the door, the man announced, “I’m coming in!” Hopper wasn’t sure what to do. “That’s when it came to me—I had a gun,” she recalled. Hopper had purchased a .38-cal. revolver just months prior for safety following the death of her husband. She retrieved the gun just in time as the burglar began prying open the window. That’s when she heard the voice of her father, a longtime police officer, in her head: Two hands, Donna. Keep your elbows straight. She opened fire and connected with the burglar on the third shot. The next day she returned to the gun store where she purchased her firearm to buy a cleaning kit. Shoppers praised her actions. “They all said, ‘Thank you. You’re a brave woman,’” noted Hopper. “I said, ‘No, I’m a scared old woman who just happened to have a gun.’” (The Record Searchlight, Redding, CA, 10/23/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra
(The following account did not appear in the print version of American Rifleman.)

Ater having his home burglarized several times in previous weeks, a Louisiana homeowner was prepared when he heard someone forcing their way into his house one evening. The homeowner retrieved his .38-cal. pistol, faced the intruder and—fearing for his life—fired a shot, striking the man. After receiving medical attention, the intruder was arrested. (The Rayne Indepenent, Rayne, LA, 05/27/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archive
February 1977: When two armed men bent on robbery strolled into R.M. Coulon's New Orleans La., pharmacy, Coulon pulled a cal. .38 revolver, shot one robber and sent the other running straight into the hands of detectives who had been following the pair. (The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, La.)

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8 Responses to The Armed Citizen® February 6, 2012

robbie wrote:
February 14, 2012

More! its been like a week and a half since ur last update... more please!

Ralf S. wrote:
February 14, 2012

As "good fences make good neighbors" and "locks keep honest people honest", I believe firearms keep homes safer.

Dan wrote:
February 13, 2012

I was once asked by a lady visiting if I had a gun in the house. I said I did. She said 'Well I certainly hope it isn't loaded!' To which I said, of course it is loaded, it can't work without bullets!' She then asked, 'Are you that afraid of someone evil coming into your house?' My reply was, “No not at all. I am not afraid of the house catching fire either, but I have fire extinguishers around, and they are all loaded too”.

One-Time New Yorker wrote:
February 13, 2012

Donna Hopper lives in California where federal courts have recently expanded the state's already pervasive "catch and release" program. I suppose if she lived in Arizona (Sheriff Joe Arpaio!) a .38 might be adequate. Living in the People's Republic of Kalifornia, she may want to consider upgrading to a .45 ACP - Specifically the TA5100D (see: http://www.auto-ordnance.com/Firearms/Thompson-TA5100D.asp ). I'm just saying ...

capt kirk wrote:
February 09, 2012

it has been proven that an armed society is a polite society...

Frankie wrote:
February 07, 2012

Comments...I think everyone needs to learn how to shoot.I tought my kids how.They love to shoot. Keeps them out of trouble.

Tim wrote:
February 07, 2012

I think it should be like when the west was new every one could carry a gun freely. Everyone new where everyone stood.

Chris wrote:
February 07, 2012

Good month for .38 specials. My wife has one, but prefers to carry her XD 9 for the 16 round mag.